Leather is a porous material, which makes it easy to smell, whether due to mold and mildew, spills, or even residue from the tanning process. Fortunately, even if leather bags do stink, you don't have to throw them away. First, do a good cleaning. If the bad smell in the bag is still there, try removing it with baking soda or another household product.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Bag
Step 1. Wipe the bag with a damp cloth, moving it in the direction of the leather fibers
Dip the corners of a cloth or sponge in the water, then squeeze out the excess water. Gently wipe the bag, including the inside, outside, handles and accessories. When the cloth starts to dry, dip it back into the water, but don't let the bag get soaked.
- Look at the bag carefully. You will see small lines on the surface of the skin. These are the fibers that make up the skin. If you rub the bag against the grain, the leather will break down over time.
- If there is something on the surface of the bag that makes it smell (like mildew), wiping the bag can be useful. If there's no mold, it's useful to prep the bag before you do a thorough cleaning.
Step 2. Open the bag and place it in an open, shady place for a few days
Sometimes, you can deodorize your bag simply by placing it in the open air. Place the bag outdoors in a location that does not get direct sunlight. For example, you can place it on a patio table or under a balcony. However, make sure to put the leather bag outside when the weather is sunny and dry. If it rains or you live in a very humid area, a leather bag can be damaged in the humid air.
- Never leave the bag in full sun as this can dry out the leather and discolor.
- If it is not possible for you to place the bag outdoors, place the bag (open) in a cool, dry place, such as under a ceiling fan.
Step 3. Use a cloth that has been dipped in leather soap or diluted vinegar if the smell has not gone away
Regardless of what cleaner you use, you should also wipe the bag with a damp cloth, moving in the direction of the leather fibers. Next, use a clean part of the cloth to clean off the vinegar or soap that sticks.
- If you have leather soap, wet the corners of the cloth, then rub it in the soap until it foams. If you're using vinegar, mix the vinegar and water in an equal proportion in a bowl, then dip one corner of the cloth into the mixture and squeeze out the excess water.
- Do not over-wet the skin because it can damage it.
Step 4. Allow the bag to dry, then wipe again if the smell hasn't gone away
Place the bag in a cool, well-ventilated place. Allow the bag to dry for a few hours or longer if necessary. If the bag is dry, check to see if the smell is still there. If the smell hasn't gone away, scrub your bag again with vinegar or soap.
- If you wish, you can gently wipe the bag with a paper towel to speed up drying.
- If the smell hasn't gone away after you've wiped it twice, try another method of deodorizing it.
Step 5. Apply conditioner to the skin after the smell has been removed
Applying liquid to your skin can make it brittle and dry, even if you've used a gentle cleanser. To keep the skin supple, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner, then massage it into the surface of the bag. Allow the conditioner to dry for about 24 hours, then store the bag as usual.
Even if you want to use another method to get rid of the odor, you should still apply conditioner after wiping the bag with liquid. By doing so, the skin moisture will be maintained and the bag can last longer
Tip:
Put the bag in a dust bag and place it in an area with low humidity to prevent the bag from smelling again.
Method 2 of 3: Using Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Step 1. Put baking soda in a thin sock, then tie the ends
Baking soda is a natural deodorant that is great for absorbing unpleasant odors in leather bags. To allow the baking soda to absorb odors well, put about 1/2 kg of baking soda in a light sock or stocking and tie the open ends. You can also open the baking soda box and put it in a bag, but be careful not to spill the contents.
You can use any absorbent product, such as activated charcoal, cat litter, or foot powder
Tip:
If it smells really bad, you can pour baking soda inside and out of the bag. A few days later, vacuum the bag thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner. However, you may find it difficult to remove all of the residue on the bag.
Step 2. Place the leather bag and socks filled with baking soda in a large, sealable bag
The baking soda needs to be close to the bag to absorb odors, so you'll need to put the bag and socks with the baking soda in a large bag. You can use a plastic bag for a large freezer, a blanket storage bag, or even a tight-fitting plastic trash bag.
You can also use a dustproof bag or pillowcase. However, you must close it tightly. Otherwise, the baking soda will take a long time to work
Step 3. Leave the bag tightly closed for 24 hours
Place the leather bag in a cool, dry location (such as on top of a wardrobe), and don't open it until 24 hours after you've closed it tightly. In this way, the baking soda can absorb airborne contaminants that are in the plastic bag. This will help remove odors that stick to the skin.
If you wish, you can leave the bag in the closed bag for a longer time, especially if the smell is very strong. The longer the leather bag is left with the baking soda, the better the results
Step 4. Check the smell of the leather bag and let it stay in the bag a little longer if necessary
After the leather bag has been bagged and tightly closed for at least one day, open the bag. Take out the leather bag and smell it. If the smell hasn't gone away, put it back in the bag and leave it for a day or longer if necessary.
- Baking soda doesn't have a bad effect on leather bags, especially if you put it in a sock. However, after you've used it for a few days, it's a good idea to replace the baking soda with a new one.
- If you've changed your baking soda every 3 or 4 days but the smell hasn't gone away after 2 weeks, try another method.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Odors with Other Household Ingredients
Step 1. Spray the leather bag with a deodorizing product as a quick fix
If you have a deodorizing product, such as the one you use on shoes or clothes, you can spray it on the inside and outside of your bag. Don't overspray, and let the bag dry completely before you use or store it.
- It is recommended that you perform the test in a hidden place, such as at the bottom or behind a bag lid. Remember, the discoloration may not appear if the skin is not completely dry.
- Spray a little perfume to cover up any musty or musty smells. However, this does not get rid of the smell.
Step 2. Place a dryer sheet over and around the leather bag for a few days
Dryer sheets absorb odors from fabrics or other natural materials very well. For better results, place the leather bag in a pillowcase or a larger bag, then line the outside and inside of the leather bag with a dryer sheet. Leave the bag for 24 hours or until the smell goes away.
If the dryer sheet does not absorb the odor within 2-3 days, replace it with a new one. If the smell still doesn't go away after an additional 2-3 days, use another method
Step 3. Put the coffee beans in a mesh bag to absorb and replace odors
Keep the bag in the storage bag. After that, fill a mesh bag or porous cloth bag with coffee beans, then place them in the dust-proof bag where the leather bag is stored, or inside the leather bag. Let the coffee beans sit there for at least a week. In addition to absorbing odors, coffee beans will also leave a coffee aroma that can help cover up any lingering odors.
- If you don't have a mesh bag, you can use light socks or stockings.
- If you don't like the smell of coffee, make your own potpourri (a container filled with flowers and herbs for fragrance) from a variety of ingredients such as lavender, thyme, vanilla, or orange zest.
Step 4. Put the newsprint in the bag to help it retain its shape while absorbing odors
Squeeze a few pieces of newsprint and put them in a bag loosely. This breathable material will deodorize and retain the shape of the bag when not in use. Let the newspaper stay there for about 2 weeks. If the smell doesn't go away, try another method.
If you don't have newspapers, you can use paper towels
Tip:
If you've tried removing the odor by wiping the leather bag and other cleaning methods at home, but the smell doesn't go away, you may want to take it to a professional leather cleaner.
